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This device was invented in 1828 and became the standard tool for removing tonsils.
Significance
The object is significant because it served as an early model in tonsil removal. However, by the 20th century surgeons used a scalpel and forceps instead as the guillotine often caused heavy bleeding and left parts of the tonsil behind.
Physical description
Luer's tonsil guillotine, in the "French" pattern, has a sliding and positioning fork, sliding loop-blade, finger-ring grips and plunger.
Victorian Collections acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands
where we live, learn and work.